From first idea to issued patent.
We handle the two stages that determine the strength of a patent: preparing the application and prosecuting it before the patent office.
Patent Preparation
A patent can only protect what its application describes, and the way it is written affects how it is examined and later enforced. Preparation is where that foundation is laid.
We work closely with inventors to understand the problem solved, how the invention works, and the variations worth covering. From there we draft an application that is thorough, clear, and built around your commercial goals.
What preparation includes
- Invention disclosure review and inventor interviews
- Discussion of patentability and filing strategy
- Drafting of the specification and claims
- Preparation or coordination of patent drawings
- Provisional patent applications
- Non-provisional (utility) patent applications
- International filing strategy, including PCT applications
How preparation works
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Intake
We review your materials and talk through the invention, its advantages, and what sets it apart.
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Strategy
We discuss timing, the type of application that fits, and the scope of protection you want to pursue.
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Drafting
We prepare the specification, claims, and drawings, and send them to you for review.
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Review & filing
We incorporate your feedback and file the application with the patent office.
How prosecution works
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Examination
A patent examiner reviews the application and, often, issues an office action raising objections or rejections.
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Response
We analyze the examiner's position and prepare a response with arguments and, where useful, amended claims.
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Dialogue
We speak with the examiner when it helps move the application forward, then follow up as needed.
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Allowance
Once claims are allowed, we handle the remaining steps toward issuance of the patent.
Patent Prosecution
Prosecution is the back-and-forth between an application and the patent office. It is rarely a straight line, and the choices made along the way shape what the final patent covers.
We aim to secure claims that are meaningful for your business, not just claims that are easy to obtain. That means weighing each response against your goals and keeping you informed about the options.
What prosecution includes
- Analysis of office actions and cited references
- Written responses, arguments, and claim amendments
- Examiner interviews
- Requests for continued examination and continuation strategy
- Appeals, where appropriate
- Tracking of deadlines and required fees
- Allowance and issuance steps
Good to know
What is the difference between a provisional and a non-provisional application?
A provisional application establishes an early filing date and gives you up to twelve months to file a non-provisional application. It is not examined. A non-provisional application is the one that is examined and can mature into an issued patent.
Why does the wording of the application matter so much?
The specification and claims define what can be protected. Gaps in the description are difficult or impossible to fix after filing, so care at the preparation stage pays off throughout prosecution.
Is receiving an office action a bad sign?
No. Office actions are a normal part of examination, and most applications receive at least one. A well-prepared response is often how an application reaches allowance.
How long does prosecution take?
Timelines vary with the technology, the patent office workload, and the number of rounds of examination. We can talk through what to expect for your situation.
Should I wait to talk to you until I have a finished prototype?
Not necessarily. Many inventions can be described well before a prototype exists. Public disclosure and sales can affect patent rights, so it is wise to talk early.
Let's talk about your invention.
Reach out to discuss preparation of a new application or the status of one already underway.